Del Mar bakery caters to canines

At a bakery in Del Mar, the treats inside the glass case look delectable — homemade cannolis, Boston cream pies and frosted pink doughnuts. The catch is the tasty treats on display at Three Dog Bakery are for four-legged friends only — these are Boston Terrier Cream Pies and Dalmatian Donuts.

Three Dog Bakery has been open 1 1/2 years in the Del Mar Plaza, offering all-natural and creative confections for big dogs and small dogs alike. There are Springer Spaniel Sprinkles, BBQ Beef Bones, Labrador Loaf and Westie Watermelon, which looks like a slice of the juicy summer fruit.

The company was originally founded in 1989 and has a chain of stores throughout the United States, as well as shops in Japan, Hong Kong and Canada. Three Dog Bakery's treats are all made of dog-friendly ingredients such as wheat, unsweetened carob (which gives many of the treats their chocolate look), unsweetened honey, blueberries, applesauce and canola oil. They also have wheat-free options.

Manager Kristine Blaser said one of their most popular treats is a bone that can be personalized on the spot with the dog's name written in carob.

Doggie birthdays can also be celebrated with a cake, and Three Dog even has dog-friendly ice cream to go along with it, made from a yogurt and buttermilk base.

"It's fun and it seems to go over very well for us," Blaser said.

The store also sells all-natural dog foods and treats by the bag and box, as well as any accessory a dog owner might need, from stylish leashes to airline-approved dog carriers.

Keeping dogs well fed is not Three Dog Bakery's only aim — it also supports local animal charities with a "Yappy Hour" fundraiser.

The store's last event benefited the FACE Foundation, a group that provides financial assistance to help cover the cost of critical or life-saving veterinary care. Three Dog Bakery donated $680 to the organization.

"We want to bring awareness to the community about these organizations that are out there every day saving our animals," Blaser said. "It's important for us to give back to the community."

On July 29, the bakery will hold a Yappy Hour event for people and their pets. From 5 to 7 p.m., it will barbecue hot dogs and hamburgers, with the accompanying hot dog and hamburger treats for dogs. All proceeds will go toward Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS), an organization dedicated to second chances for pets.

Vendors such as Dana Greene Photography, Coastal Pet Care, Dogtown San Diego and Pawtopia Dog Training will also be at the party.

Three Dog Bakery is at 1555 Camino del Mar, Suite 114B, open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more information, visit